The Chicago-based carrier is "hopeful" that flights will begin May 4, when China had not authorized a landing slot at its Beijing Capital International Airport. .
American is re-booking customers that were supposed to fly on the new route beginning Saturday to other flights and is offering full refunds.
Market Watch reported AMR delayed the route’s launch in 2008 to April 4, 2009, when fuel prices reached record highs, and again late last year.